The findings show that travel demand among French residents is expected to remain high next year, while also reflecting a clear shift in destination preferences.

The survey, conducted in November 2025 with nearly 900 participants in the Île-de-France region, finds that as many as 98% of respondents plan to travel in 2026. Of those, 73% intend to travel abroad, while nearly half said they take international trips at least twice a year.

In terms of regional preferences, Europe is the top choice, with 38% of travellers prioritising destinations within the continent thanks to its proximity and well-developed transport networks.

However, Asia is gaining strong momentum, accounting for 28% of travel preferences, the highest level since the survey was first conducted in 2019.

Among the most-searched countries, Asian destinations such as Japan, Vietnam and Thailand appear alongside well-established European tourism hubs including Italy and Spain.

This trend suggests that French travellers are increasingly expanding the scope of their journeys, showing greater willingness to travel further in search of new experiences.

According to the Global Travel Fair, the survey results reflect a shift in the travel mindset of French tourists. Rather than focusing solely on familiar destinations, a growing number of travellers are seeking out new places with distinctive cultural identities and remarkable natural landscapes.

About 28% of respondents said they are particularly interested in lesser-known or emerging destinations on the international tourism map. This presents opportunities for many Asian countries, including Vietnam, to capture the attention of European travellers.

Vietnam is regarded as one of the region’s standout destinations thanks to its harmonious blend of long-standing cultural heritage, distinctive cuisine and diverse natural landscapes.

These qualities are increasingly aligned with the experiential travel trends that are gaining popularity among French tourists.

At the Global Travel Fair 2026, taking place from March 12 to 15 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Vietnam, along with several other Asian countries such as Nepal, India and Thailand, are introduced as an experience-rich destination for international travellers.

The survey also indicates that experiential travel is becoming a dominant trend. French travellers increasingly seek opportunities to explore local culture, sample traditional cuisine and participate in nature-based activities, rather than simply visiting well-known tourist attractions.

In terms of trip planning, most travellers still prefer to organise their journeys independently. However, package tours are gradually attracting greater interest, particularly for long-haul itineraries or trips to distant destinations.

Around 60% of travellers said they begin searching for information and planning their trips at least three months before departure.

Overall, the survey results suggest that the international tourism landscape in 2026 is opening up new opportunities.

With its rising appeal in the European market, Vietnam is well positioned to step up promotional efforts and attract international travellers seeking culturally rich and nature-based experiences.

Hanoi among most-searched-for places by international tourists

VOV.VN - Hanoi ranks among the most-searched-for destinations by international tourists, according to details given by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT)